Charles Thompson III

Charles Thompson III is the Chief External Engagement Officer for Communities in Schools^® (CIS^®), based in the Arlington, VA, national office. He brings over 35 years of experience in marketing and fund development to the operations he leads.

Charles is an accomplished executive with a successful record of building, transforming and leading teams in non-profit and for-profit environments. In his current role, Charles provides strategic direction for CIS' Advancement organization and cultivates transformational philanthropic gifts. Additionally, he leads the Marketing and Communications functions at CIS, developing brand strategy and providing oversight of internal and external communications and enterprise-wide marketing campaigns.

Recently, Charles presided over the largest expansion of national partnerships and revenue growth in the history of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE.) Under his leadership, NSBE realized 50% growth in national partnerships and a 25-fold increase in unrestricted revenue.

Prior to joining NSBE, he led three major market (NY, NJ, D.C.) fundraising operations for UNCF – United Negro College Fund. Mr. Thompson ultimately led the top national fundraising campaign for UNCF where he closed several six- to eight-figure gifts to support underserved minority students and UNCF member-institutions.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Thompson spent 15 years as a marketing executive with AT&T where his organization was responsible for the creation and execution of national customer acquisition programs, including digital and print advertising campaigns, direct-response television, and national event-based customer activations.

Charles has a master of science degree in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac University, an executive graduate certificate in advanced management from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a bachelor of science degree in marketing management. Charles and his wife, Suzanne are proud New Jerseyans, but their family is enjoying life in their adopted state of Maryland.